Linguistic Outcast

By: Allyssa Herlein

Many people can’t fathom

my language

or why I communicate 

in a manner different 

than them.

They fear oddity,

panicking at the individual

who will violate

the common order 

regulated by humanity 

With cruel language 

they brutally attack

anyone

who will defy 

their law.

And I fear the ridicule 

that will prevail

if I emerge from behind

the vocabulary that I need to hide 

my stupid impediment.